How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?
- DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.
- DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.
- DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes.
- DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilisation of the funds intended for anti-poverty programmes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
- District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is a registered society established to implement and monitor anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development. However, it cannot perform the functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). DRDAs only coordinate and work with PRIs, not replace them.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- DRDAs mainly focus on the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of rural development and anti-poverty programmes. They may conduct action research or evaluation studies initiated by the government, but they do not undertake independent, area-specific scientific studies on malnutrition.
Statement 3 is correct
- An important role of DRDAs is to ensure coordination and cooperation among different sectors and departments. They facilitate convergence among line departments, banks, and NGOs to improve the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programmes.
Statement 4 is correct
- DRDAs are also responsible for monitoring the proper and effective utilization of funds allocated for anti-poverty schemes. In this process, they act as a catalyst and facilitator for rural development programmes.
